It's been said many times before and bears repeating... the devil works from "with-in"
Not from "with-out"
Sometimes the biggest threats and dangers are right under our noses but we don't see it!
Maybe we don't want to see it?
Remember it was religion and religious hierarchy and them in authoruty ( at that time ) that crucified our Lord!
Peter said ...ye have denied the holy one and just
and desired a criminal instead to go free.
Who gave jesus the most trouble?
Priest, elder, pharisee, lawyer, doctor, saduccee
But the common people heard him gladly!!
But ye when heard it...(repented not) at the baptism of John...but the publicans and harlots justified God... being baptized with the baptism of John (hmmm) food 4 thought (indeed)
Who didn't repent?
Who refused John's baptism?
Who held off....due to evil surmisings?
claiming that John .... had a devil
And when Jesus appeared ... they said of him also behold a winebibber (wine taster) and glutton.
Who accused Jesus of casting out devils by beelzebub? was it not the present day religionist and scribe?? Rhetorical question i'd say!!!!!!!!!
And Was not luther basically the only ONE who was willing at that present time to be daring enough and courageous enough - to stand up to the spiritual authority at that time, and say its all a farce - its error and spiritual bondage....
But doubtless at that time religion had cast a spell that had bewitched the people. Putting people into a deep sleep - but no no dared to go against authority, that is (the authority in place) at that time. Think about it... luther literally stood alone... but he knew that religion had cast a snare upon God's people. And was bold enough to speak out and put his body and reputation on the line. It is because of this tenacity that old rome was uprooted and overthrown
Yes indeed luther literally put his body and life on the line declaring to the roman catholic ecclesiatical structure... that the just shall live by faith and salvation is by grace, not of works... lest any man should boast. Boast Of what he or she is doing - for God - and in God!
Not of works...lest any man boast ( in himself)
And Because of daring men who are not afraid of false religious authority - you and i today enjoy true spiritual freedom and salvation by grace!!! (alone)